Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3. Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Letter to the Editor: Great service at The PalmsLetters-to-the-EditorDear Editor,
This past week our family came here to dive. We were staying at The Palms and appreciated so much that the manager sent golf carts to the airstrip to meet us. There were 3 heavy dive bags plus miscellaneous gear. We just want to give credit where credit is due to very efficient and courteous reception we received as guest of The Palms on this amazing caye.

Wolfe’s Woofer: Number Two“It’s been one of those days,” my friend Bob said. “This morning I sent my yard man to the store for thumbtacks and he came back with Tampax.”
“Joe Miller used to play guitar with me,” I told him. “He always said Belize is not a Third World country. It’s a Third Word country. We use so many languages that we all understand about every third word we say to each other.”
Bob laughed and then he said, “Hey, you’re coming to my anniversary party; Right?”
“Your second year anniversary? I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Will you do me a favor?” Bob asked.
“Sure. Anything you need.”

Letter to the Editor: ACES thanks for assistance for Charity GalaAmbergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) would like to thank everyone who helped make the Ball Gowns & BBQ Charity Gala & Art Auction a huge success!
Thanks to the incredible generosity of so many, our 1st Annual Ball Gowns & BBQ Gala was a night to remember and will be a bright spot on Ambergris Caye’s social calendar for years to come! Ambergris Caye Elementary School raised over $15,000 in much-needed operating and scholarship funds. Also, thanks to a generous matching grant every dollar raised at the event itself will be matched in support of ACES efforts to combine excellence and affordability in education on Ambergris Caye.
We were delighted to have our tickets sell out well before the event and to see the ladies of San Pedro get into the spirit of the night with sequins and glamour galore, the gentlemen at their side sporting Hawaiian shirts and tropical linen (even the occasional panama hat could be seen among the crowd). With the gorgeous company and the rum punch flowing it could only be a great night in San Pedro!

Misc Belizean Sources

Conservation community plans exciting events for Reef Week 2016The activities, set to take place between March 6th through to March 13th, include the Healthy Reef for Healthy People’s swim across the English Caye Channel, Oceana’s “Ride to the Reef” from the capital city to the coast, as well as educational and awareness events by organizations including the Belize Audubon Society, TIDE, FAMRACC, BTIA, Blue Ventures, the Turneffe Atoll SA, WWF, KREM, Wildtracks, the Wildlife Conservation Society, UB’s Environmental Research Institute and the Southern Enforcement Association. Partner entities for Reef Week 2016 also include the Belize Tourism Board, the Fisheries Department, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute and the Belize City Council. The week’s anchor event, the Reef Fair at the BTL Park in Belize City, will feature interactive games, giveaways and the exciting finish of the Women’s Cross Country being organized by the Belize Cycling Federation. The fair is set to open at 11AM on Sunday, March 13th 2016. Every year, the Belize Barrier Reef contributes a billion dollars in goods and services to the local economy via shoreline protection, tourism and fishing.

Belize Lobster Season To Close Feb 14thThe 2015- 2016 lobster Belize season is slowly coming to a close.
The season opened on June 1, 2015 and lasted 8 1/2 months. It will close February 14, 2016.
Fisheries and government officials place a moratorium on lobster fishing for 3 1/2 months to allow the species to spawn and replenish.
During the closed season, possession or consumption of lobsters is illegal. The fines increase if your illegal lobster is undersized.
We respectfully request that all citizens refrain from harvesting lobsters during the closed season. It is the only way we can be assured of having lobsters to harvest for generations to come.

Movie Night Tonight on Caye CaulkerTonight, Monday, is Movie Night with the MERMAIDS at the outdoor Bondi theatre on Front Street. 6:30pm is The Little Mermaid followed by 8:30pm Splash. $12 tickets and $6 residents/students - all proceeds will support Caye Caulker's high school Ocean Academy.

Rotary Duck Race 2016The 2016 Belize Duck Race was Saturday and they have the list of winners out. Congratulations to Felipe Flores on winning the $10,000 prize!
"WINNING TICKET NUMBERS FOR THE BELIZE DUCK RACE 2016
All winners will be contacted. Also feel free send an email to belizeduckrace@rotarybelmopan.org if you see your number below. Congratulations to all! On behalf of the Belize Duck Race Team we thank everyone who supported us by adopting a duck or as a Sponsor."

The Reporter

Mother and son arrested for unlicensed firearmPolice have arrested a seamstress from Orange Walk, and her son for having an unlicensed firearm and accompanying ammunition.
The Orange Walk police’s Quick Response Team reported that they searched the home of Mavis Wade at #25 Saint Peter Street Orange Walk Town on Saturday, in the presence of Wade, and her son Steven Hyde, who is a student.
While searching one of the rooms, police found a stack of books on a computer table. Those books had a square-shaped hole cut into the centre where the firearm was kept. Officers retrieved a nine millimetre CZ-83 Browning pistol with the serial number filed off. Police also discovered 13 bullets inside a white sock and 52 .380 brand live rounds.

CTO says Zika shouldn’t ruin travel plansDespite the recent outbreak of the Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) maintains that the virus is no reason for visitors to avoid the regions.
The CTO this week released a list of ten reasons why you shouldn’t cancel your trip to the Caribbean because of the Zika virus, and has been actively promoting the dissemination of the information contained in the list.
The CTO explained that: the virus is mostly concentrated in Brazil and South America, around 200 suspected cases in the Caribbean; the World Health Organization (WTO) has issued a no-travel warning due to Zika; and that there is still much about the virus that has been unconfirmed.
“The WHO itself has stated several times that it has no proof of a link between Zika and microcephaly. In fact, there is other research that suggests there is no link and that there are other causes of the suspected rise in cases in Brazil. There are also no reported cases of microcephaly linked to Zika outbreaks in other countries or regions,” the CTO said.

The Belize Times

“We Will Unite” – New PUP Leader Hon. John Briceño sounds the battle cryNewly-elected People’s United Party Leader Hon. John Briceño called for unity and a re-commitment to the Party’s social justice values and philosophy rooted in service to the people, as he addressed supporters at the swearing-in of the newly-elected members of the National Executive held at Independence Hall, the Party’s Headquarters on Queen Street on Wednesday, three days after convincingly wining a spirited convention to decide who will be the next leader. “I am promising the Party members and this nation that the People’s United Party is united. It’s strong and it is ready to take over the Government. We need a government that has ability, has experience, has a vision for Belize, and that can only happen with a government of the People’s United Party. And there is hope to believe in the P.U.P., to believe in Belize and God willing we are going to form the next government of Belize,” declared the Party leader. The PUP is on the right track, to the grave disappointment of the critics and the cynics. Flanking the leader at the event were former PUP leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and Deputy Leader from the West, Hon. Julius Espat, two giants in the PUP.

“We Will Unite” – New PUP Leader Hon. John Briceño sounds the battle cryNewly-elected People’s United Party Leader Hon. John Briceño called for unity and a re-commitment to the Party’s social justice values and philosophy rooted in service to the people, as he addressed supporters at the swearing-in of the newly-elected members of the National Executive held at Independence Hall, the Party’s Headquarters on Queen Street on Wednesday, three days after convincingly wining a spirited convention to decide who will be the next leader.
“I am promising the Party members and this nation that the People’s United Party is united. It’s strong and it is ready to take over the Government. We need a government that has ability, has experience, has a vision for Belize, and that can only happen with a government of the People’s United Party. And there is hope to believe in the P.U.P., to believe in Belize and God willing we are going to form the next government of Belize,” declared the Party leader.
The PUP is on the right track, to the grave disappointment of the critics and the cynics. Flanking the leader at the event were former PUP leader Hon. Francis Fonseca and Deputy Leader from the West, Hon. Julius Espat, two giants in the PUP. Their presence on Wednesday signalled support for Hon. Briceño and it is clear that with the convention being over, divisions have been put aside and the Party will move forward.

Cold blooded murders in Orange WalkOrange Walk Police are still searching for a suspect who murdered two teenagers in cold blood on Monday afternoon.
19 year old Elrindo “Jun” Matura Jr. and 17 year old Rene Antonio Acevedo were shot dead by a lone gunman, a short distance from their homes on Gristock Street. The two teenagers and a third person were socialising outside the Matura’s residence when a male individual approached them along the street riding a bicycle and called for Erlindo. The Police say the man was inquiring about where to buy marijuana in the neighborhood. It is reported that Erlindo and the individual chatted for a short while on the street, before the man walked a short distance and turned around with a firearm in his hand, aimed at Rene.
The man fired several shots. Erlindo and Rene were both shot while the third teenager was able to run away and escape harm.

Faber ready to fire 1,300 TeachersMinister of Education Patrick Faber has announced one of the Barrow Administration’s retrenchment plans for 1,300 Belizeans. Faber declared that as of March 15th, teachers who have not met the full requirements to obtain a full teacher’s license will no longer have jobs at the Ministry.
The announcement done at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 took teachers, principals and school administrations by total surprise. There has been no prior announcement of an ultimate deadline for teachers to comply with the requirements for their full licenses. The understanding among education stakeholders is that teachers will be given sufficient time to meet the criteria. Many have done so while others are in the process of being in compliance. Tertiary education is not affordable in Belize under this Government, and incentives offered by the Ministry are politically-not available to all.

Belizeans suffer under BarrowDo you know how much Petrocaribe money is left? Let me tell you. Out of more than $350M borrowed in the past three years, $15M or even less is left.
Do you know how much G.O.B. repays in debt every year? Let me tell you. G.O.B. has to find more than $100M every year to pay back for money it borrowed and spent.
It is plain to see that the Barrow Government had an agreement all along with Fortis just before elections? Let me tell you. The people of Belize had to pay Fortis more than $60M for Dean Barrow’s wrong-headed appropriation of that company. Plus he had to give Fortis back 1/3 of B.E.L control.
Do you know about the UDP Government’s secret agreement with Lord Ashcroft just before elections? Let me tell you. The people of Belize had to pay Lord Ashcroft more than $160M for Dean Barrow’s illegal appropriation of that company. PLUS…Dean Barrow had to agree to pay Lord Ashcroft back an additional amount based on the share value of B.T.L., to be determined by an arbitration panel. That decision is due any day now, and attorneys say it could be as much as an addition $200M.

Think About ItThe People’s United Party has a new leader. He has the experience and been there and done that in the politics of Belize.
The Hon. John Briceno emerged from the National Convention on Sunday as the winner in a three man race to lead the party from its long battle of in-fighting and disunity. Johnny competed with Hon. Francis Fonseca and Hon. Cordel Hyde, and received 1,122 votes out of 2700 delegate votes.
Unity and dynamic leadership must be two of the key components of Johnny’s renewed leadership of the party.
The organs of the party such as the Youth Movement, the Women’s Group, the Marshalls, the Constituency Committees must be reorganized and infused with new blood.
The important media agents, the BELIZE TIMES and Vibes, the Party Radio/TV news needs new programming and additional hosts focusing on education, entertainment and particularly on capturing the attention of the young generation.

A time to healBelmopan was blue this past Sunday as delegates from across the nation converged to select a new leader for the grand old party. The last contested convention for the PUP was held in March of 2008 after former leader and Prime Minister Said Musa had stepped down following a loss in the General Elections of earlier that same year. In that convention, Johnny Briceño had defeated Francis Fonseca but that was a close contest.
Mark Espat, who had already done considerable damage to the party, was initially nominated as a candidate, but he later withdrew and threw his support behind Briceño. Johnny pulled off the victory and went on to head the party for the next three years. He stepped down in 2011 and following a brief interim stint by Mark Espat, Francis Fonseca was endorsed as party leader at a convention in October of 2011.
This time around, the contest was again between Johnny and Francis but Cordel Hyde, who had put a resounding whipping on Mark King in Lake Independence, made it interesting by also deciding to throw his hat into the ring. Cordel is extremely popular, in particular in the city, and many people believed that he had a more than decent chance of winning. The weeks leading up to the convention was tense and had all the excitement and drama of a General Election. At the end of a long hectic day of voting at Compre High School in the capital, the majority of delegates decided that they wanted to give Johnny Briceño another opportunity to lead the party.

Barrow fails!Prime Minister Dean Barrow had no good news to share with the Belizean public and in particular the business community, about his recent mission to the United States to discuss with officials of the Obama Administration ways of mitigating the correspondent banking crisis crippling Belize.
Barrow’s mission was a total failure and the best he got from Uncle Sam were supposed “assurances” that there is “nothing wrong with the Belize jurisdiction”.
The Prime Minister was running in circles as he tried to convince the media that the U.S. banks’ de-risking of Belize’s banks is some kind of mistake. While he did mesmerize some of the news reporters with his half-cooked excuses, the Belizean public and business community are not fools.
It is not true that there is “nothing wrong with the Belize jurisdiction”. Barrow needed to check with the U.S. State Department who are the ones who sign off on the annual International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR). President Barrack Obama reviews the reports and approves the designation of countries based on how grave their situations are. In the case of Belize, in the last report released in 2015, the country was classified as a “Major Illicit Drug Producing, Major Drug-Transit, Major Money Laundering” jurisdiction.

SCA girls & Wesley College boys lead football playoffsThe undefeated St. Catherine Academy girls and Wesley College boys are leading the Central Division high school football competition into the playoffs.
The SCA girls have 4 wins, while the Wesley boys have 7 wins as they entered the playoffs.
SCA won over the Wesley College girls on Monday afternoon, with goals by Kelsie Moss, Wareyni Gillett and Renisha Martinez.
The Wesley College boys entered the playoffs, defeating the Ladyville Technical High School boys on Monday with goals by Nathan Oliva and Kermit Sutherland, while only Kenroy Allen scored for Ladyville.

City Boys win 2016 U-15 football champsThe City Boys won the 2016 Belize District Football Association’s (BDFA) Under-15 football championship finals: 3-2 in a penalty shootout against the Hattieville River Side Boys.
In regulation time, the game ended 2-2 and 3-3 in overtime at the MCC Garden on Sunday.
City Boys’ Akeem “Bib” Sutherland scored the 1st goal and Kyle Samuels scored a penalty for City Boys to lead: 2-0 at the half.
Hattieville’s Mario Rivera scored after the break, and Michael Robinson scored Hattieville’s 2nd goal to tie 2-2 at the end of regulation.

Lucillo Teck gives thanks – Supporters pledge a total of $12,175.00 in one day telethon organized by KREM​Mr. Lucillo Teck on whose behalf Krem Radio and Television mounted a telethon to raise funds to help him pay his legal cost to Barrow & Williams Law Firm says a grateful and sincere thanks to the Belizean public.
Mr. Teck on January 12, 2016 appeared on Krem Television soliciting funds to be able to defray his legal cost incurred as a result of his case against the Belize Sugar Industry Control Board (BSICB) represented by Barrow & Williams. This he did so as to mandate that the sugar cane grinding season for 2014-2015 be declared open since this was being used as leverage to force cane farmers to sign an agreement with BSI/ASR that was not beneficial to the farmers. This caused much economic hardship to the farmers who demanded that the government appointed and controlled SICB do it job and set the date and not side with the manufacture to the detriment of the farmers. At the end of the day in court it was Lucillo Teck alone against the Minister of Natural Resources, SICB, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association (BSCFA) and BSI/ASR. Before the case could conclude the grinding season was opened after farmers became divided and under duress singed the agreement that has resulted in serious repercussions for them now.

Hiding CORRUPTION in the Dark – Belize blocks Transparency International for 8th YearFor the eighth consecutive year the Barrow Administration has denied the international watchdog group, Transparency International, the opportunity to evaluate the level of corruption in Belize.
It appears that Prime Minister Dean Barrow is afraid of any scrutiny that would shed light on the serious transgressions committed by his Government.
Every year Transparency International reveals its global corruption index, to indicate which countries operate under a democratic and accountable system or where corruption is rampant. This index is a serious measuring stick for investors and economic analysts.
Belize has not been included in the indices since 2008, because the Barrow Administration has flatly denied Transparency International access to Government and country data for the agency to carry out its annual review of corruption.

Moody’s Predicts Collapse of Credit Card ServicesThe crisis in correspondent banking services in Belize will intensify and could almost cause the collapse of credit card services in the country, according a report issued to investors by Moody’s Credit Rating Service on Tuesday, February 2nd.
Belize began losing correspondent banking ties with major United States banks such as Bank of America in mid-2015 as U.S. banks, under pressure from the Obama Administration which imposes heavy fines on banks who are linked to money laundering and terrorism, carried out a “purging” of overseas bank clients.
According to Moody’s, U.S. banks see Belize as a huge risk.
“Although domestic banks appear to be in full compliance with FATCA and international banking standards, large banks with US dollar operations face heavy fines under the Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) initiatives if they are found to be involved in transactions deemed illicit. Their risk/return analysis is stacked heavily against doing business in Belize given the threat of large fines by US regulators,” explained the report.
Moody’s indicated that the effects will be far-reaching and long term.

Police investigate Belize City shootingOn Wednesday the 3rd day of February 2016 about 7:12 p.m., police visited the KHMH where they saw 26-year-old Benua Andrews of Belize City suffering from two gunshot injuries to chest. Also seen was 26-year-old Tyron Myers also of a Belize City address suffering from gunshot injury to the left knee, right thigh and left elbow.
Initial investigation reveals that on Wednesday, the 3rd day of February about 6:48 p.m., both Andrews and Myers were standing at the corner of Marigold Lane and Jasmine Street when male person approached and fired several shots at them causing their injuries. They are presently listed as stable.

PUP Leader Hon. John Briceno’s Message to Belizeans!I want to thank the supporters of our People’s United Party for the opportunity to serve as their leader. I promise to continue to work hard everyday for our Party and our Country.
I especially thank all those who offered themselves as candidates to serve on our Party’s National Executive and look forward to working closely with everyone as we revitalize our Party.
Sunday’s convention was in itself a victory for our beloved PUP and marks the start of our campaign to energize the PUP and renew our commitment to the aims and objectives of our Party. I invite everyone to join us as we move forward, confident that together we can do great things.
The People’s United Party has and always will be about the betterment of our nation and about service to others. Join me and together let us work in the spirit of our creed sharing the responsibility to build a Belize that works for everyone, where opportunity, fairness and justice can prevail over selfishness and injustice. I truly believe that the PUP is the best hope for Belize.

Cycling President tries to muzzle well-known female cyclistIs Belize City Councillor Dion Leslie the Cycling Federation President or Emperor?
It appears Leslie crowned himself king and ruler of all his subjects. As king he can order them to shut up and what to say when they speak. Or so he thinks.
The BELIZE TIMES has obtained a copy of a letter sent by Leslie to well-known female cyclist, Kaya Cattouse, in which he threatens to fine and suspend her from the Federation if she continues posting comments on social media which he doesn’t like.
“…you have written comments on social media regarding your displeasure on decisions of the C.F.B., you have been verbally advised to cease and desist by Executive members,” said Emperor Leslie scroll, “failure to cease will result in a fine and suspension”.

Congrats to New PUP LeaderDear Editor,
Big congratulations to Hon. John Briceño and his team elected to serve the PUP stronghold during this tenure. I know they will do a good job, and a big thanks to Hon Francis Fonseca also for guiding the Party when all thought that our Party was doomed. The rebuilding process starts now and anyone who says they support PUP need to chip in any way.
Listening to Marshall and G. Mike on the air about a membership drive is an excellent idea. Party supporters can pay at least $10.00 a year for support. Another idea is for the Party to host an Annual Ball, catering to about 500 plus guests with a special guest speaker. If one charges $100.00 per person one would raise about $50,000.00 or more. This would help in running the expense of the Party especially the media outlets and Independence Hall. But I know Hon John. and his team will find away.

PUP Mayor Kevin Bernard: “it’s time to unite”Dear Editor,
At 10:15pm Sunday night John Briceño was officially returned as the new Leader of the People’s United Party. To share a hard-fought victory with his was his entire slate – new Chairman Henry Charles Usher, new Deputy Leader for the South Rodwell Ferguson, new Deputy Leader for the North Jose Abelardo Mai and new Communications Director Anthony Mahler.
It was a good victory for these generals of the People’s United Party, but it was a GREAT victory for the many thousands of our supporters countrywide. Hon. Julius Espat stated last night that this process to select a leader, with voting from almost 3000 delegates, is a historic one…the first for any Party in Belize. The people have spoken…loudly. Now it’s time to put differences aside and to support the PEOPLE’S CHAMPION.

Breaking Belize News

Belize City man wins Rotary Duck RaceAfter the ducks crossed the finish line in Cayo yesterday evening, a lucky Belize City winner was called and told that his one crossed first, earning him a cash prize of $10,000.
81 other persons also received smaller prizes for their participation in the Belmopan Rotary Club’s annual duck race, which is a fundraising event that provides finances to help the club carry out its charity work.

Tributes in Belize City and Orange Walk mark Bob Marley’s 71st birthdayThis weekend a pair of organizations are marking the 71st birthday of Jamaican reggae legend Bob Marley.
On Saturday there was a concert organized in Orange Walk by the Charitable Roots Foundation to support a young cancer patient.
It was held at the East Sports Center and featured Eljai, a Belizean-born reggae musician out of the United States.
This evening in the Old Capital at Birds Isle, Dara Cyber Home Theater presents the fourteenth annual tribute and food drive to support Joel Dara Robinson’s feeding program which operates out of his Dunn Street home.

Belize in AprilApril is the best month to visit Belize, preferred by many visitors because the large crowds of Easter and Spring Break have begun to taper off. With plenty of warm sunny weather and fewer crowds, April is a fantastic time to visit Belize. Whether you’re interested in exploring Maya ruins, swimming with whale sharks, tubing down a river through a series of caves or simply enjoying a lovely holiday in a tropical paradise, there’s plenty on offer in Belize in the month of April.
Belize Events and Festivals in April
San Jose Succtoz Fiesta – The small village of San Jose Succotz in Cayo District holds a yearly festival in April in honor of its patron saint.
Lagoon Reef Eco Challlenge – On April 24-25 Ambergris Caye is home to a special kayak race featuring two-man teams competing to be the first to circumnavigate the island. With fabulously warm temperatures, April is a wonderful time to visit Belize. Make the most of swimming with whale sharks, diving, and snorkeling in the comfortably warm waters of the Caribbean or simply take the opportunity to relax on a beach. April is when temperatures start to heat up, with highs around 85°F (29°C) and warm nights that average about 76°F (24°C). April is also characterized by “Iguana Rains”, brief, cooling rain showers that wash away excess humidity.

Carnaval, One of San Pedro’s Most Unique Holidays, Starts Today! A Few Tips…Mardi Gras or Carnival, the holiday is celebrated around the world. The festivus of eating, drinking and naughtiness before the beginning of Lent. Different places do different things…we all know about the celebration in New Orleans or in Rio (Brazil attracts 70% of its tourists during this week alone!) but in San Pedro, it’s been going on for decades and it is totally unique.
Here is the full schedule.
On a very chilly Friday night – the House of Culture did a photo exhibition…I wanted to go but COLD! Here is last year’s…stop by this week and check it out. They have some amazing and hilarious photos. And descriptions of the history and traditions.
And Don Juan Carnaval.
Last night was cancelled due to rain but today IT BEGINS with the little kids painting in the afternoon and starting around 4pm…comparsas dancers. Groups, often cross dressing, that dance for donations and just…fun.

FlanThis traditional Mexican dessert recipe is prized for it's simplicity. If you've never made flan before, now is the time to try this recipe.
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. You will need 6 ramekins or other specialty flan cook ware and a large baking pan to put them in.
Pour 1 cup sugar in warm pan over medium heat. Constantly stir sugar until is browns and becomes caramel. Quickly pour approximately 2-3 tablespoons of caramel in each ramekin, tilting it to swirl the caramel around the sides. Reheat caramel if it starts to harden.

International Sources

BELIZE’S IFSC INCREASES MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT FOR FOREX BROKERS TO $500,000The Belize financial regulator, the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC), has increased the minimum requirement for initial capital for financial and commodity-based derivatives brokers to $500,000, according to the latest version of the licensing regulation. The change affects brokers of forex, futures, options, contracts for differences (CFDs), interest rates, shares, and stocks.
Prior to the hike, the required capital was a minimum $100,000.
Companies that are yet to be registered and licensed in Belize will need to meet the new requirement, while those who already hold a license will have a period of two years to hike their capitals.
Furthermore IFSC has increased the annual licence fee from $5,000 to $25,000.
Belize is known as an offshore destination for financial service providers, where the regulation and licensing requirements are not as strict as in other countries. Incorporation costs are also significantly lower there. Many forex brokers choose to register and be regulated in Belize since the provision of a license there requires them to meet fewer and softer criteria and to comply with less strict rules and requirements than if they registered in other countries. In fact, the IFSC rather relies on self-regulation of the companies.

10 reasons you shouldn’t cancel your Caribbean trip over ZikaThe spread of the Zika virus in the Americas, including countries in the Caribbean, and the possible link to birth defects such as microcephaly (babies with small heads) have left many people – especially pregnant women – wondering whether they should cancel their holidays to the region.
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and individual countries have advised their pregnant citizens not to, and some airlines and cruise lines are offering refunds and/free penalty-free changes.
But the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) and the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) say there is no reason to panic or to put travel plans on hold.
Here are 10 reasons why, based on a list of Frequently Asked Questions the two have put out.

Another Day of School in Belize, 3.5min. My Family and me had another uneventful today was just another warm day of school at the San Pedro High School. I also get an appointment for educating our puppy Sammy. I hope you guys enjoy the video and give it a thumbs up.